Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurates AIU’s 100th Annual Meet in Pune

Pune : The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma, on Tuesday inaugurated the 100th Annual General Body Meeting and National Conference of the Association of Indian Universities at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri.

The three-day centenary conference, themed “Shaping Self-Reliant Bharat Through Knowledge and Innovation,” has brought together over 300 Vice Chancellors, academic leaders, and policymakers from across India.

The event opened with a traditional welcome extended to visiting dignitaries, reflecting the institution’s emphasis on academic respect and Indian hospitality.

Focus on innovation, research and inclusive growth

Addressing the gathering, Governor Varma highlighted the critical role of innovation and research in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

“Universities must nurture critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a spirit of inquiry among students so that they become contributors to society,” he said.

He also stressed that development must go beyond economic indicators and ensure benefits reach the last person in society.

Call for wider access to education

The Governor underlined the importance of school outreach initiatives, particularly for students from economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, to improve access to higher education.

Academic leadership in attendance

The inaugural session was attended by Vinay Kumar Pathak, Pankaj Mittal, P. D. Patil, and N. J. Pawar, along with senior representatives from universities nationwide.

On the occasion, the Governor released a special issue of University News and two key publications marking the centenary milestone of AIU.

Education must build character: Chancellor

Speaking at the event, Chancellor P. D. Patil emphasised the broader purpose of education.

“True excellence lies not only in academic achievement, but also in character and integrity,” he said.

He added that universities must balance traditional values with innovation and practical learning.

Legacy of reform inspires conference

The conference also drew inspiration from Maharashtra’s educational and social reform legacy, with references to Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, Savitribai Phule, and Jyotiba Phule.

Key Highlights

* 100th Annual Meet of AIU held in Pune
* Over 300 Vice Chancellors participated
* Theme: Self-Reliant Bharat through Knowledge & Innovation
* Focus on AI, research, sustainability and entrepreneurship
* Special sessions on healthcare and global collaboration

Key Themes of Conference

* Internationalisation of higher education
* AI and quantum-enabled institutions
* Self-reliance and economic patriotism
* Sustainability in universities
* Integration of traditional knowledge systems
* Towards AI-native universities

A major highlight of the conference is the idea of “AI-native universities,” signalling a shift from information delivery to transformation-driven education focused on creativity and application. With wide participation and diverse discussions, the conference is expected to shape the future direction of higher education in India.

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